Henry Cavill’s James Bond audition tape leaks online as it’s revealed how close he was to getting legendary 007 part

HENRY Cavill’s James Bond audition tape has leaked online, as it was revealed how close the Hollywood star was to getting the legendary 007 part.

Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy and Aaron Taylor-Johnson have all been tipped to replace Daniel Craig as 007.

Happy Valley star James Norton is also said to be in the frame for Bond.

And now, a video of Henry, 41, has been spotted by fans and many have said the Man of Steel star would be ‘perfect’ for the role.

In the clip, the actor can be seen rocking a long hair look and a leather jacket.

He channelled Pierce Brosnan in Golden Eye for the tape, but he was unable to land the coveted role as it went instead to Daniel Craig.

Henry was 22 at the time of the audition, and he asked for a “vodka martini shaken not stirred” in his audition, while saying his name was “Bond, James Bond.”

Fans watching the clip for the first time were suitably impressed.

As was Casino Royale direction Martin Campbell, who told the Express: “He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. And look, if Daniel didn’t exist Henry would have made an excellent Bond. 

“He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape… very handsome, very chiselled. He just looked a little young at that time back then.”

It comes as a little known actor has surprised Bond fans by landing among the frontrunners for the role after having “serious talks” with bosses.

According to reports, Stuart Martin, 39, could be the surprise choice.

It would bring the franchise full circle if he were to bag the role, becoming the first Scotsman to do so since Sean Connery said farewell in 1983’s Never Say Never Again.

A source told : “Stuart is the name that has been discussed in Bond circles by those in the know.

“He is in serious contention. No-one will confirm this because Eon goes all out to deny and shy away from anything concerning casting, but it would be an amazing milestone to have a Scottish Bond again.”

Among Martin’s credits are 24 episodes of Miss Scarlett & The Duke, in which he played William ‘The Duke Wellington, and Zack Snyder’s two part sci-fi epic, Rebel Moon.

They added that the film’s production company, Eon, doesn’t care if the next Bond is a famous star or not.

It’s a sentiment echoed by Bond fans, who just want the best man for the job.

One wrote on an online forum: “Stuart Martin caught my eye. He seems to have about the same level of fame as Daniel Craig did when he was picked.”

Another said: “He’s got the look, that’s for sure.”

A third shared: “I don’t know him, which is a plus. And he does look very attractive, which is a plus. What is his action background? Has he filmed action scenes before?”